I've been contemplating engaging in a little wrenching, and as I'm vaguely mechanically inclined I've been intrigued by this add-on. You're probably more knowledgeable on this subject than me so your input is appreciated.
-My current all-purpose mountain bike is a 2012 Trek Slash 8. Running an XO RD with an X7 11-36 cassette and an X7 FD with an X9 38-24 crank.
-I'm a almost-middle aged guy who doesn't ride as much as I want or need. Consequently my fitness has taken a hit this year…but I also find shifting between the rings, well, annoying, clunky and generally soul-sucking.
My plan is to make the following changes:
-Add the OneUp 42T/16T sprockets to my rear cluster.
-Replacing my deformed/slightly mangled X0 RD with a new X0 Type 2 with the clutch.
-Replacing the rings with a Race Face 32 tooth Narrow/Wide ring.
My questions:
1. Any red flags/potential idiocy/things I should be cognizant of?
2. For you gearing math wizards, how much am I losing on the top end here? More importantly, on the bottom? As I am slowly increasing in mass with a corresponding decrease in fitness, should I be thinking of a RF 30 ring, instead?
Many thanks.